Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. facing prison time for spending campaign funds

Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. has reportedly signed a blind plea party agreement which could land him in prison or receive probation. He reportedly pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, mail fraud and false statements. The federal prosecutors are leaving Jackson’s fate in the hands of a judge. He could receive probation or be sent to prison for up to five years.

Jackson resigned from his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives on Nov. 12, 2012, following an extended treatment for mental health issues. He took a leave of absence last summer and received inpatient treatment for biopolar disorder.

Jackson is reportedly accused of misusing thousands of dollars of campaign funds on clothes, meals and travel for a female companion as well as furniture for his home in Washington, DC. The item gaining a good deal of attention is the purchase of a $40,000 Rolex watch for himself.

“He addressed his mental health issues, he resigned from the Congress, he’s doing everything he can to make the government happy,” CBS 2 legal analyst Irv Miller says. “He’s willing to make restitution, so he’s basically saying, ‘Hey, listen, I’ve stepped up to the plate, I’ve done everything I can, give me a break.’”

The only thing Jackson’s father, the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., would say about his son’s case today was “it’s painful.”

There is speculation Jackson’s wife could face charges regarding their jointly filed tax return. Sandi Jackson, a former Chicago City Council member, served as her husband’s campaign manager and received payments as a consultant.